Lombardy - Discover Italy Discover Italy Ai Weiwei at Palazzo Strozzi Florence hosts one of the giants of contemporary art Video Spas in Ischia Ischia is an island of fire and water and, of course, sun. In its spa parks - the most famous of which are Negombo and Poseidon - nature offers... Read more Syracuse of history and myth The magnificent Island of Ortigia is an essential stop for tourists visiting Syracuse: it is an exemplar of this city's joie de vivre, characterized... You are in Home / Discover Italy / Lombardy Lombardy La Scala Opera House - Milan Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie - Milan - UNESCO Varenna - Lake Como Isola Bella - Borromean Islands - Lake Maggiore Livigno What to Do What to taste One of Italy’s largest regions, Lombardy lies in the north of the country, sharing a border with Switzerland. Stretching from the Alps to the lowlands of the Po Valley, it is home to a wide range of landscapes, including the breathtaking mountain chain that boasts the Valchiavenna, Valtellina and the Camonica Valley .

Winter sports enthusiasts will find no lack of state-of-the-art facilities in Lombardy, for example in the extremely popular resorts of Tonale, Bormio , Livigno and Madesimo . Another aspect that defines the region is its expanse of rolling hills that encompass the distinctive Franciacorta area, famous for its vineyards and wine production. The charm of the great lakes is a great tourist draw, attracting visitors to Sirmione and other well known destinations dotting the western coast of Lake Garda, while Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are no less beautiful, surrounded as they are by stately homes, parks and picturesque small towns. The region is also characterized by the great flat tracts of the Po Valley lowlands, covered by shimmering mirrors of water and rice paddies: this is the typical landscape of Lomellina, the land of rice harvesters, steeped in tradition. The region has countless other distinctive facets. Lombardy, aided by its geographic position and fertile soil, will captivate you - nature, history, art and culture marry in harmony with innovation, technology, fashion, entertainment, and a contemporary outlook.

The region comprises the provinces of Bergamo , Brescia , Como , Cremona , Lecco , Lodi , Mantua , Milan (regional capital), Monza and Brianza , Pavia , Sondrio and Varese . The region has much to offer in terms of its natural, cultural and architectural perspective. There are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Mantua , once ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family, and Sabbioneta, the defining “ideal city” of the Italian Renaissance; the Sacred Mountains , a devotional route in the Varese and Ossuccio area; the prehistoric rock paintings (petroglyphs) of the Camonica Valley ; the Rhaetian Railway that makes its way through the mountainous landscapes of Albula and Bernina; the 19th-Century industrial settlement of Crespi d’Adda and, finally, Milan , with the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie that contains the Last Supper, the celebrated Leonardo Da Vinci fresco. Still in Milan, a major architectural masterpiece is the renowned Teatro alla Scala . The imposing Duomo (Cathedral) is absolutely extraordinary, constructed in white marble and dedicated to the Birth of the Virgin Mary.

As for Monza, make sure to visit the Autodromo , the state-of-the-art motor racing track, and the Villa Reale, a former royal residence. Then there is the Cathedral, where the ancient Iron Crown is kept, reputedly concealing a nail from the True Cross. In Brescia , of particular interest is the Saint Salvatore Monastery, while the craft and tradition of violin-making, most famously seen in the work of Stradivarius, lives on in Cremona . Pavia is the "City of 100 Towers,” the Visconti Castle, and a renowned University. Meanwhile, Varese is known as the “Garden Province,” and Sondrio hosts the stupendous Masegra Castle, which owes its charm to its fusion of diverse epochs and styles. Lecco 's fame can be attributed to I Promessi Sposi, a masterpiece of a novel by Italian author Alessandro Manzoni, who opened the book with the image of the splendid branch of Lake Como where the city stands.

Bergamo , rather, is the site of the Accademia Carrara, one of the largest Italian painting galleries; the Colleoni Chapel and the Teatro Donizetti, dedicated to Bergamo's most illustrious citizen and composer. The Medieval city of Lodi is characterized by the porticoes in Piazza della Vittoria, decorated by the Duomo and the Palazzo Comunale. Finally, Como , on the extreme western arm of the lake, is known for its gorgeous villas, e.g. Villa Olmo, an imposing Neoclassical structure. The mountains, the plains and grand lakes of Lombardy form the perfect backdrop for a vacation filled with nature, athletics, rest and routes for discovering the territory. The mountain peaks welcome ski and snowboard enthusiasts to internationally-famous ski destinations, like the Camonica Valley and Valtellina , with their popular resorts of Livigno , Bormio, Aprica and hundreds of kilometers of slopes to match every ability level.

In summertime, the mountains offer the excitement of scaling the Adamello and other ranges, as well as possibilities for rafting, trekking and mountain biking, while the Stelvio Glacier offers skiers the challenge and adventure of its slopes, even in the warmest months. The mountains of Lombardy are also a good place for a relaxing holiday, thanks to the various spas rich in therapeutic thermal waters - for example the Boario and Bormio Spas, surrounded by a beautiful park. Lake Garda, just like Lakes Como and Iseo, ensures a restful and entertaining holiday, with the chance to sail, windsurf, water ski, canoe, cycle, trek, boat and take excursions to the surrounding areas. Tourists can choose from countless itineraries that will allow them to discover Lombardy’s most distinctive and unique features. The Sacred Mountains (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site ) offer exceptional spiritual and natural trails. In Valchiavenna one can discover the traditions of a land that was the meeting point between Italy and Northern Europe for centuries. The nature reserves around the Navigli Canals reveal many different and enchanting landscapes, from the hills of Brianza to the green banks of the River Adda.

Gourmands can follow any, or indeed all, the Wine Trails, from Valtellina to the Lodi area, as well as to the Pavia Oltrepò or to around Mantua, and ending in Franciacorta , famed all over the world for its sparkling wines. This is a unique journey through the vineyard-covered terraces and hills, stopping off at wineries and local producers to imbibe their delicious wines and taste the well-known local specialties. Lombardy’s food specialties range from delicious saffron risotto and the breadcrumbed cutlet cotoletta alla Milanese, to the consommé of Pavia with its egg accompaniment and a pork and cabbage cassoulet. Valtellina’s contributions to Lombardy gastronomy include pizzoccheri (a buckwheat version of tagliatelle), bresaola (air-dried salt beef), cured salame of Varzi and finally, fresh water fish, especially the dried and grilled lake whitefish.

Among the region’s most celebrated and delicious cheeses are Gorgonzola, from the town of the same name; Mascarpone; the unpasteurised Lodigiano; parmesan-style Grana; Robiola soft cheese; and Bel Paese. Milan’s panettone and other Christmas sweets are renowned worldwide, as are the almond-flavoured Amaretto liqueur from Saronno, Mantua’s sbrisolona (crumb cake), and nougats from Cremona. Lombardy’s wines go by names like Grumello, Inferno, and Sassella della Valtellina, while the wines and spumante produced in Franciacorta occupy a monumental spot in this category, particularly the Bonarda and Barbera wines of Pavia Province. Lombardy Lombardy | Italy Lombardy Milan Transportation System Wednesday, October 5th, 2016 Milan Metro Sign I have finally realized how shockingly average the Milanese public transport is. For a classy, chic city, the state of the trams and the metro is disgraceful. Actually, I'm inclined to lump even the buses into this lot.

You're lucky to sit down on a seat free of stains, or rubbish, or the remains of someone's lunch. They're never clean, and always smell slightly strange - the same stench as in a room full of people who've taken their shoes off. Not pleasant, Lombardia - Lombardy Wednesday, October 5th, 2016 Lombardia The Lombardy or Lombardia region of Italy occupies a major portion of the northern Po River valley between the Tincio and Mincio rivers. It is bordered by the Alps and Switzerland to the north and Emilia-Romagna to the south. Lombardy is home to Italy's famous lakes Maggiore, Como and Garda that lie at the foot of the Alps. Piedmont and Valle D'Aosta border Lombardy to the west and the Veneto and Alto-Adige regions on the east. Not only is Lombardy an agricultural Mantua and Sabbioneta Sunday, September 4th, 2016 Mantua (Mantova) and Sabbioneta are two towns located in the valley of the Po River in the north region of Italy. Both of these towns represent Renaissance town planning.

Mantua is important since it depicts the extension and the renewal of an existing town. Sabbioneta which is located 30 km from Mantua represents the implementation of the theories of ideal town planning from that era. The layout of Mantua is quite irregular and has many quarters which show the different stages of Scaliger Castle, Sirmione Wednesday, August 24th, 2016 Sirmione and its Scaliger Castle, Lake Garda Scaliger Castle is located in the Italian lakeside town of Sirmione. Sirmione is a comune and town located in the province of Brescia in the region of Lombardy. Sirmione has a beautiful historic center which is situated on top of a small peninsula that juts out into the southern portion of Lake Garda. The Scaliger Castle is considered one of the finest examples of a medieval fortifications, including a very rare fortified port. Lake Como Thursday, August 18th, 2016 ﻿ Village on the shore of Lake Como. Ph. depositphoto.com/papandreos Want to escape the hustle and bustle of Milano? Head a half hour outside the city and you will reach the luxurious and peaceful lake community of Como.

Of course, Lake Como is a perfect vacation destination all on its own--just ask its most famous resident: George Clooney. Located in the Lombardy region of Italy, the lake finds its origins in the glaciers that existed here thousands of years ago. The third Monza Brianza Friday, August 12th, 2016 122.337 inhabitants. Monza Brianza is one of the newest provinces in Italy, as it was established in 2004, but only truly operational since 2009. It was mainly a political decision, made due to the growing economic power of the area and also to slim down the already very busy province of Milan. Monza is one of the most populated cities in Lombardy and therefore the move sort of made sense. The area is actually very populated in general, and although not as big as other provinces, every town in Castello Sforzesco, Milan Wednesday, June 1st, 2016 Sforzesco Castle, Milan Ph.

depositphotos/adrenalina The Sforzesco Castle, or the Castello Sforzesco is one of the best-known historical buildings in Milan, witness of several historical events in the past centuries. The castle was demolished and rebuilt many times over the centuries. Today, after having been restored and embellished, it has become a symbol of the city itself and of its history. History of the Castello Sforzesco A Milan's Best Restaurants Sunday, May 22nd, 2016 Milan is known for a lot of things. Thousands of tourists visit the city each year to check out to see its beautiful piazzas, museums, boulevards and churches. Of course, when visiting Milan you can also enjoy some marvelous cuisine. Known as the fashion capital of Italy, Milan is also a city that has plenty of good places to eat. Restaurants in Milan can be over-the-top, but also simple and rustic. There are so many places to dine out in the city that Lake Garda Thursday, May 19th, 2016 Lake Garda, Malcesine Ph. depositphotos/lightpoet If you are looking for dazzling natural scenery then Lake Garda is the place for you.

Deep blue waters, green forests, towering mountains, and picturesque towns--Lake Garda offers it all. Italy's largest lake is located between Milan and Venice, and is nestled between the Dolomites of Brenta to the North and rolling hills to the South. The shoreline of the lake and the lake itself are divided between the provinces of Trento, Brescia Thursday, April 28th, 2016 ﻿ La Loggia in Brescia by night Brescia is a city located at the foot of the Alps in Lombardy Italy. The city has had a fascinating history going back centuries. Even before it was conquered by the Romans in 225 BC, it already had a lot of history behind it. The signs of this history can still be seen everywhere in the old town of Brescia, although, the new town doesn't have much more to offer. The town and most of its attractions tend to get very crowded with visitors Lake Iseo Thursday, March 24th, 2016 Split between Bergamo and Brescia, in a heavily industrialized area, you will find the surprise gem that goes by two different names—Lake Iseo (Lago d’Iseo) or Sebino.

Despite the modernity in the towns of the area there are many spots along the lake’s coastline that are both picturesque and naturally beautiful. Fed by the Oglio River the lake is located near the Val Camonica area of northern Italy, and is surrounded by several beautiful villages, winding roads carved out of towering mountains Rock Drawings in Valcamonica Tuesday, March 1st, 2016 Valcamonica - Panorama If you are in the Lombary region think of visiting Valcamonica, which boasts one of the largest collections of rock drawings in the world. There have been about 200,000 figures and symbols carved into the rocks over a time span of approximately 8,000 years. Located two hours drive from Milan, Valcamonica's pictures depict various scenes and are connected through common themes like magic, war, navigation and agriculture. The rock Lake Idro Saturday, August 1st, 2015 Lake Idro Ph. depositphoto.com/adrenalina Lake Idro is an Italian pearlpine lake one of the highest in Lombardy. The majority of the lake is part of the Province of Brescia, while the rest falls in the Province of Trento.

The surface area of the lake is 11.4km and its maximum depth of 122 meters. Visitors to the area will find beautiful wooded mountains surrounding the lake as well as a shoreline that stretches 24 kilometers and is shared among four communes, Idro, Anfo, The Rhaetian Railway in the Alps Tuesday, July 28th, 2015 The Bernina Chain The Rhaetian Railway (the Ferrovia Retica in Italian) is an outstanding example of modern engineering triumphing over the isolated landscape of the Alps. The two railway lines, which cross the Swiss Alps through two passes and cover the Albula and Bernina areas, solved the problem of isolation experienced by many communities in the Central Alps. Opened in 1904 the railway is an impressive structure; the Albula line includes covered galleries, forty-two tunnels Crespi d'Adda Tuesday, July 7th, 2015 Crespi d'Adda - Town Centre Crespi d'Adda is located in the Lombardy region of Italy and is known to be one of the best examples of a 19th century company town.

The design and the architecture of the town is famous for being tailored to its workers. Featured on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites list since 1995, Crespi d'Adda is quite intact and is still used today for industrial purposes. The town is an outstanding example of the 'company towns' built Pavia Friday, January 30th, 2015 Vicolo dei Longobardi, Pavia. Ph. flickr/Fabio Besostri Pavia is a city located in the Northern Italian region of Lombardy. The city was the capital of the Kingdom of the Lombards between 568 and 774 AD, which is when it first gained its political importance. The University of Pavia, founded during the Middle Ages, is also located in the city and still is a prominent center of learning. The province of Pavia is known for its fertile land and is an important producer Mantova Wednesday, October 1st, 2014 Mantova - Skyline Ph. depositphoto.com/C_Palazzini Founded in 2000 BC, Mantova was once an Etruscan village and is now capital of the province with the same name.

It is a relatively large town of 100,000 in the region of Lombardia. Surrounded on three sides by man-made lakes created in the 12th century, this world-famous city, known in English as Mantua, attracts visitors interested in art, architecture and history. Entrance gate to a house Castello San Giorgio, Mantova Wednesday, October 1st, 2014 Castle of St. George, Ducal Palace, Mantua Castello San Giorgio is part of the Ducal Palace located in the city of Mantova, The castle can be reached by entering from the Ponte San Giorgio. It is a reddish castle and dates back to the Middle Ages, from the time of the Gonzaga family. The construction of the large castle began in the year 1395 under the directions of Bartolino, an achitect hailing from the city of Novara.

It was built to defend the city Castello Ducale dei Gonzaga, Mantova Wednesday, October 1st, 2014 Mantua - Aerial view - Photo courtesy of EdoM/Wikimedia The Reggia dei Gonzaga or the Palazzo Ducale is located in the city of Mantua, or Mantova. The palace is, in fact, a group of buildings located between Piazza Sordello and the shore of the bottom lake in the north east side of the city. The entire structure is made of a large number of gardens, courtyards and buildings. The structure used to be formed by a series of different buildings, Lake Maggiore Wednesday, May 21st, 2014 Lake Maggiore viewed from Maccagno - Panorama Ph. depositphotos/elesi Of the three large pre alpine lakes of Italy, Lake Maggiore is the westernmost and the second largest after Lake Garda.

The lake acts as a border between Lombardy and Piedmont and a part of it also sits in Switzerland (which can be reached from Italy either by train or by a short ferry ride.) Lake Maggiore is less crowded than Lake Garda and less glitzy than Lake Como, offering one of the most Monza for the Day Friday, June 1st, 2012 Kylie in Monza The sun has finally started shining, thank the lord. It's been a long, long wait - we're into May now, and half the Milanese population are still sporting coats and boots! I was beginning to think the climate of Milan was rivaling London on the 'most consistently horrible' scale, (and that's not something to be proud of). But just when I'd lost all hope in there ever being a summer, I have been proven wrong. Kylie in Monza town center Last Sunday, the sun-god made an Lake Lugano Friday, June 1st, 2012 Lugano - View of the Lake and the City Lake Lugano is shared by Switzerland and Italy and the area around the glacier lake is infused with a mix of Swiss sophistication and Italian passion.

Located between Lakes Maggiore and Como, Lugano was first mentioned by Gregory of Tours in 590 AD, who referred to the body of water as Ceresio. It is thought that the original name came from the many cherry trees that once dotted the shores of the lake. In 804 the lake The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie Friday, June 1st, 2012 Dome of Santa Maria delle Grazie The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in Milan and is a very famous church and a convent. The church is also known for the Last Supper which has been made by Leonardo da Vinci. The History The Dominican convent and the church had been built on the orders of the Duke of Milan, Francesco I Sforza. The Duke had wanted the church to replace a small chapel which had once stood at the location and had been dedicated to Saint Mary of the Graces. The Aperitivi Friday, June 1st, 2012 Aperitivos in Milan Aperitif: wine and a tasty snack It seems Americanism has seeped its way into Milan.

The all-you-can-eat phenomenon, once restricted to sizzler and pizza hut, has transformed the Milanese nightlife and halved the cost of a good night out. But unlike in America, the unlimited access self-service buffet is associated with bars, not restaurants. It is...the Milanese happy hour. At home, an advertised happy hour consists of a slight reduction in a couple of drinks on the Val Grande National Park Friday, June 1st, 2012 Val Grande National Park Enter Val Grande National Park and leave the modern world behind. There are no paved roads here or modern amenities, no people who live here either, just miles and miles of natural wonder and trails to help you explore it. Just try to restrain your wonder as you come across imposing mountain peaks of the Alps framed by clear skies and greenery, as well as a diverse array of plant and animal life, deep valleys and pristine lakes like Sondrio Friday, June 1st, 2012 Sondrio Sondrio is a city located in Valtellina in Lombardy, Italy. Sondrio is quite a small town and has only a population of approximately 22,000 inhabitants.

Centuries ago, Sondrio was a military camp for the Roman Empire but the present day town was established by the Lombards. After the Lombard Empire fell down it became a part of the Holy Roman Empire and much of the region was managed from here. The surrounding areas of the town are known for their terraced vineyards and many of Italy' History of Como and Its Lake Friday, June 1st, 2012 ﻿ Somewhere into the sixties Como was a bustling city as bedeviled by traffic as any North American town of its size. Funny thing is, is that it retained much of its charm and charismatic air. Way before this, it was a mere lump of ice, melting and changing form. The final results attracted an array of famous poets- so inspired by its natural beauty. Romans relaxed in Como, Dante (Tuscan Poet),Virgil and Catullus, the genius Goethe, Longfellow.

Poetry may have Stelvio National Park Friday, June 1st, 2012 Stelvio National Park - Mountain In the heart of Italy's Central Alps is a park dominated by the Ortles-Cevedale massif group, where one can watch the majestic beauty of ice and water pouring from the summits into the waterways of the green valleys below. Lucky visitors will spy glaciers, grassland, imposing mountains and ridges, and luxuriant forests. There are also many rare plant and animals species to be found within Stelvio National Park and several scattered villages to visit and Lodi Friday, June 1st, 2012 View of the town centre in Lodi and Piazza Vittoria Ph. flickr/Maurizio Pucci Lodi is the capital of the province of Lodi in Lombardy, northern Italy. Lodi was originally a Celtic village known by a different name during the Roman age. Later on, Lodi's geographical location made it an important city on the famous Roman road system. One of the main features of the city is in fact the river Adda that over the centuries has contributed to Lodi's agricultural development.

Visconti Castle Friday, June 1st, 2012 Detail of the Castel of Visconti in Pavia The Castello Visconteo or the Visconti Castle is located in the town of Pavia in the region of Lombardy. The castle had been built on the orders of Galeazzo II Visconti in the year 1360, after conquering the city. The castle had been the main residence for the Visconti family. There is a large park north of the castle including Certosa of Pavia which had been founded in the year 1396 and had been used as a private chapel for the powerful family. Varese Friday, June 1st, 2012 Lake Varese Varese is a comune and city located in the region of Lombardy in Northern Italy. The city is located 55 km from Milan and is the capital of the Varese province. Varese lies at the feet of the famous Sacro Monte di Varese which has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. It also overlooks the Lake Varese.

The rivers Olona and Ticino pass through the province and there are in all seven lakes in the province which include four smaller lakes and three large ones which are the Como Friday, June 1st, 2012 Como Como is located on the Italian-Swiss border in the region of Lombardi, Italy. The Lake Como is located close to the city and is a very popular tourist destination. The city was built by the Romans and it served as an important location in the trade between the European countries and the Mediterranean. Como has also gained popularity for its good quality silk. Como is the birth place of some important Roman scientists and in the 18th century, Alessandro Volta, who was the inventor of Lake Varese Friday, June 1st, 2012 Panoramic of Varese Lake from Biandronno - Photo courtesy of Alessio Facchin/Wikimedia Lake Varese - Suggestive View in Fog - Photo courtesy of Fvatwimediao/Wikimedia Lake Varese is a smallish lake in the Lombardy region fed by underground springs. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and to the south the roads lead to ponds and marsh area.

Isolino Virginia is the lake's small island, which is located near the western shoreline. The lake is glacial in origin and is Shopping in Lombardy Friday, June 1st, 2012 Lombardia on the Italian map The region of Lombardy is one of the most important tourist destinations in Italy. The capital of the region is Milan which is known to be a major fashion destination in the world and is also known to the country's second capital. Apart from Milan too there are plenty of famous tourist destinations in the region like Pavia, Mantua, Cremona and Bergamo and lakes Iseo, Maggiore, Como and Lake Garda. Apart from being one of top tourist regions in the country, it is Cremona Friday, June 1st, 2012 Roofs of Cremona viewed from the tower of the Cathedral Ph. depositphotos/karkozphoto Cremona is located in Lombardy region in Italy and is the capital of the Cremona Province. For centuries Cremona has been known to be an independent and a wealthy city, for this reason there are plenty of handsome villas and mansions strewn all across the city.

Cremona is also known for some good architecture examples in northern Italy. What really made Cremona famous, was its Lombardy – Italy Travel Guide Milan iPhone Apps Lombardy: Fast Facts Lombardy is the English name for this region – Lombardia (pronounced lom|bar|DEE|ah) is the Italian name. The capital of Lombardy is Milan. The Lombardy region borders Switzerland in the north as well as the Italian regions of Piedmont, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna. There are four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lombardy – Milan’s Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” in its refectory, the rock drawings at Valcamonica, the Crespi d’Adda town site in Capriate San Gervasio, and Sacri Monti. Lombardy contains both the Italian Alps and the Italian Appennines mountain range, along with much of Italy’s popular lakes region. People from Lombardy are called lombardi (masc. pl.). Other variations are: lombardo (masc. sing.), lombarda (fem. sing.), and lombarde (fem.

pl.). Where to Stay in Lombardy Lombardy is a mix of dense cities and sweeping natural landscapes, so it stands to reason that you’ll find every variety of accommodation options available to you throughout the region depending on where you are. DOWNLOAD OUR TRAVEL GUIDES DOWNLOAD NOW Milan in particular has the highest number of lodging options, but because it’s more of a banking and business city than a tourist city the prices on hotel rooms are often higher than you might expect – especially mid-week. Weekend rates tend to go down (because business travelers leave the city on weekends), and for an even more budget-friendly option there are a few (albeit scattered) hostels in Milan as well. Some of the most popular tourist areas in Lombardy are the Italian lakes , and that’s where you’re more likely to find the usualy array of leisure travel accommodation choices. Because there are rural parts of the region, you will also find some of Italy’s famous agriturismi if you fancy the idea of staying on a farm.

Here are some links to articles about hotels and hostels in Lombardy: Learn more about Italian agriturismo What to Do & See in Lombardy Lombardy is a sizable region, so it’s perhaps not surprising that so many of the things we associate with Italy vacations are in Lombardy. Although Milan isn’t usually at the top of many “must-visit” lists for Italy, it is home to one of the country’s most famous pieces of art as well as one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Lombardy’s famous lakes are among the most popular places to go in the country, including Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Bergamo is a great day trip from Milan, and its historic center has a beautiful piazza and pretty views. And car enthusiasts will likely know of the famous race track at Monza.

Some of the main sights that will be on the itinerary of visitors to Lombardy are: Things You Should Know About Milan Where to Go in Lombardy Milan’s Malpensa Airport is one of the two main international gateways to the country, so even though Milan isn’t the city most travelers plan to spend oodles of time in it’s often the place they spend one day either at the very start or the very end of their trips. If you’ve got more time to spend in the Lombardy region, however, there’s plenty to keep you entertained – even if you skip Milan altogether.

Some of the major cities in Lombardy are listed earlier (and many make good day trips from Milan ), but here’s another list with short descriptions so you can get an idea of whether you’ll want to do more research on them for your trip: Milan – Lombardy’s capital, home of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper,” La Scala opera house, & one of the country’s most iconic cathedrals; read more in my Milan travel guide Bergamo – Beautiful historic walled city, split into “high” and “low” cities Brescia – Wealthy industrial city with a few good museums Monza – Wealthy suburb of Milan with a world-famous car racing track, as well as a nice cathedral, royal villa, and huge public park Pavia – Small city with a large university, a pretty historic center, a few pretty churches, and some notable museums Mantua – Mantova in Italian, small city with historic ties to opera as well as art, as showcased in the many churches, palazzi, and museums Cremona – Historic home of the two most famous violin-making families on earth, Stradivari and Guarini Italian Lakes – Some of Italy’s most famous landscapes, including Lago Maggiore, Lago di

 Garda, and Lago di Como ; read more in my Italian lakes travel guide Trips 2 Italy | Travel guide and Information about Lombardy | Plan your trip to discover Lombardy in Italy Packages Lombardy This description page of the Italian region of Lombardy, will guide you in planning your trip to Italy and help you find useful travel information about this Italian region.

the capital The region of Lombardy, or Lombardia in Italian, is characterized by the great city of Milan , smaller, historic but thriving municipalities, and beautiful scenery that changes dramatically from the majestic and breathtaking in the north to the plains in the south. It stretches from the Alps on its northern edge with Switzerland, on the border with Switzerland in the north, down through the romantic Lake Como , the eastern part of Lake Maggiore and the western half of Lake Garda on the east, past the smaller lakes, scenic valleys near Bergamo, to the broad, flat plain with the River Po in the south, and the start of the Appennine Mountains in the southwest of the region. It is a populous region that is dominated by the ancient, but modern and very dynamic city of Milan, the largest city in Italy, which sits on the plain, roughly in the center of the region. It is the largest and wealthiest city in Italy. Though there are several cities that challenged Milan in the past such as Pavia , Mantua, Bergamo, and Como, its second most populous city, Brescia is only a fraction of its size at 200,000 residents.

Bustling Milan is the business capital of Italy, and possibly the fashion capital of the world. It is the most advanced and important industrial, financial, commercial, transportation, couture and clothing, and agricultural center of Italy. If you are traveling to Italy, you will likely be passing through the greater Milan area, as one of the two airports in the country that handles transatlantic flights, Malpensa, lies in its outskirts, and many of the trans-European trains connect through Milan. The geography of its key city of Milan on the fertile plains that are a natural junction of trade routes from the river Po, ports on the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian parts of the Mediterranean, and from the Alpine passes made it a center of commerce since its inception. The region has long been home to great patrons of the arts. Not just in Milan, but Bergamo , Mantua, too, which are renowned for their artwork. There are grand opera theaters in each of the cities and many of the towns. The region is the birthplace of Donizetti, and the inventor of the modern opera, Monteverdi.

It played long-time host to the grand master of the Italian opera Verdi, who saw many of his works premiere in Milan, and where he died. It is the home of the center for the development and manufacture of the key instrument of classical European music, the violin, Cremona. the great lakes region and the alps After Milan, Lombardy’s attraction is that of a region with the Alps providing an amazing background in the distance, beautiful lakes dotted with villas with beautiful gardens, impressive valleys and hills, of wealthy and attractive towns filled with imposing buildings and ornate Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance churches, and the skiing and winter sports center of Bormio, and the nearby the glacier-heavy Stelvio National Park. The beautiful Lake country, especially the largest lakes, Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore have been drawing tourists from all over Europe for the past couple centuries. Though several of the lakes are shared with the regions of Piedmont and Veneto to the west and east, plus Switzerland to north, Lombardy contains much of the best attractions, and certainly the easiest to access.

At these large lakes, and the smaller ones such as Iseo, Varese and Orta, you can revel and relax in the serenity of the picturesque landscapes featuring verdant hills, the calming, still deep blue water, and the majestic Alps in the distance. Then there are water sports, and some of the region’s most splendid villas and gardens. Two-legged Lake Como boasts sparkling blue-green waters set against the snowy peaks of the Alps. It has been a favored resort destination since Roman times. The ancient town of Como lies as a gateway at the southern end of the western leg of the lake. From the Piazza Cavour you can gaze at the beauty of the lake, and then stroll through the ancient Roman street plan and admire its attractive buildings and basilica. The town of Bellagio at the intersection of the legs of the Lake Como is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in all of Italy. Much of the lake is dotted with villas and gardens. Long, thin Lake Maggiore is around 65 kilometers from end to end, and is home to stately hotels, quaint villages and the distinctive, attractive Borromean Islands. These are actually more accessible from the towns on the Piedmont side of the lake.

The ornate, stately and somewhat garish Palazzo Borromeo that dominates the Isola Bella with its artwork and gardens, the largest of the three islands, Isola Madre which is entirely landscaped as a beautiful English garden, and the small Isole dei Pescatori, a dense fishing village. Very popular with summer tourists, Lake Garda is the biggest of the lakes, lying between the Alps and the Pianura Padana. The towns of Desenzano del Garda, Sirmione and Riva del Garda are well worth visiting. Riva is one of Italy’s principal windsurfing centers. Italy’s version of Disneyland, Gardaland, lies east of Sirmione. The smaller lakes are also beautiful and worth visiting, if somewhat less touristy than the big three. ITALIA - Planning Your Trip - Italy by Regions - Lombardy HOME Territory: The region occupies the main part of the Po Valley. Its northern borders are formed by the Lepontine, Rhaetian and Orobic Alps.

It includes a hilly district with the major Italian lakes, from the Easter slope of Lago Maggiore to the Lakes of Varese, lseo, Como and to the northern part of Lake Garda. This region ins rich inn water, thanks to the Po and its affluents. Cities: The regional capital is Milano. Other important cities are: Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Lecco, Lodi, Varese, Sondrio, Pavia, Cremona, Mantova. Art: Lombardy is the cradle of the Romanesque architecture and has beautiful examples in each major city. The most striking monument of the Gothic period is the Cathedral of Milan. The Renaissance period has left splendid palaces and sumptuous churches. The Lombard painting reached its greatest splendor during the fifteenth century.

Museums: Milan, in the Sforza Castle there are the Art Museums which comprise several sections for painting, sculpture and applied arts; the Brera Gallery, which houses some of the all-time masterpieces of painting; inn the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, a very rich private collection of paintings of great masters, fittings, art objects and ancient jewelry can be admired; other masterpieces of painting can be seen inn the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. The National Museum of Science and Technique is devoted to railway and air transports. In Brescia the Roman Museum has an interesting section devoted to the Christian Age. In Como, the Civic Museums have large rooms for local history and art. In Cremona, the Civic Museum houses mosaics and relics of the Romanesque period, while the Stradivariano Museum displays the history of the famous ancient violin makers. Bergamo has the important Carrara Academy Gallery. Mantua is known for the Ducal Palace with Gonzaga’s Palace and the Museo del Risorgimento. In Pavia there are the Civic Museums for archeology and painting.

To be visited: The peninsula of Sirmione on Lake Garda and the “Gardesana” coast; the Lomellina and the Valtellina districts. Regional web site: E.N.I.T. North America - Copyright ©1998-2015 - All Rights Reserved Regions of Italy, Map of Italy Regions, Regions in Italy 7 581 In the time of Ancient Rome, this capital city of Italy was the center of the entire Roman Empire. Today Italy, a founding member of the eurozone and the European Union, is also one of the largest economies in the world, and a major regional power in Europe. Rich Catholic culture has shaped the country's religious base, even though Judaism has been the longest established religious faith in the country. Home to a number of UNESCO's heritage sites, Italy is also a great center of culture, literature, and art. Italy is also known for giving the world the theatrical extravaganza called opera, and its traditional cuisine - pastas and pizzas. Italy's Political Timeline Constitution was approved Location of Italy Located in southern Europe, Italy is comprised of the Italian Peninsula and a number of islands. Italy shares borders with four countries: Switzerland, France, Austria, and Slovenia.

It also surrounds two landlocked countries, San Marino and Vatican City. Italy spans a total area of 116,347 square miles and has a coastline of 4,722 miles. Economy and Agriculture Economically, Italy can be divided into two parts - the developed industrial north, which is dominated by private companies, and the less developed agricultural south. Prior to World War II, Italy had an agriculture-based economy, and after the Second World War, Italy rapidly transformed to an industrialized nation. Today, Italy is one of the most developed nations of the world, with a high standard of living. The country has high GDP, but also has a high unemployment rate. Italy's economy is supported by many small and medium-sized enterprises, which mainly produce high quality consumer goods. Italy's GDP is about $2.05 trillion (2010 United Nations), which is the eighth largest in the world. Italy's main agricultural products are wheat, rice, citrus fruits, beef, potatoes, and soybeans. Its main industries are textile industry, tourism industry, and consumer goods manufacturing enterprises. The eurozone crisis has left an indelible mark on the country, though, and unemployment is a major concern.

Political History and Divisions Prior to June 1946, monarchy was prevalent in Italy, but the monarchy was abolished in June 1946, and Italy became a parliamentary democratic nation. Italy's parliament is divided in two houses: the Senate of the Republic (315 seats) and the Chamber of Deputies (630 seats). Italy's prime minister shares authority with the president of Italy. Fifteen regions of Italy have centralized governments, with the head of the regions reporting to the central government. The twenty regions of Italy have about 110 provinces, each with its its own locally elected representatives. One unique feature of Italy's parliament is that representation is given to permanently non-residing citizens. Major Cities of Italy Venice: Located northeastern Italy, Venice is the capital of the Veneto region. Venice is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its beautiful views, works of art, and unique landscapes and architecture. This city attracts many tourists every year. Milan: Milan is the commercial, industrial, and business center of Italy. This second largest city of Italy also is the capital of the Lombardy region and can be called the capital of Italian fashion.

Florence: This famous historical city is the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy. Florence has many monuments and museums that attract visitors to this city on regular basis. Rome: The capital of Italy as well as the the Lazio region, Rome became part of unified Italy in 1870. In ancient times, Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire, which was a powerful empire that spanned the Mediterranean. Rome is also listed as a UNESCO's World Heritage Site. Italy - from the Etruscans to the present day Italy is a peninsular country bounded by the Mediterranean, with the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east. Italy is a beautiful country with lofty mountains like the Apennine and green valleys like in Lombardy. The Po is the longest river in Italy. Italy is home to two great civilizations, namely the Roman and the Etruscan civilizations. Italy has a population of about 60 million people (2011 estimate) and is known for its culture and tradition. Italy is a predominantly Roman Catholic country. The official language of Italy is Italian, but German and French are also spoken by a minority of the population in certain regions.

Various dialects are spoken within regions of Italy. Last Updated on:August 20, 2016 Milan Maps and Orientation: Milan, Lombardy, Italy Milan Maps and Orientation (Milan, Lombardy, Italy) The city of Milan (Milano in Italian) is situated within Lombardy region, in the province of the same name. Milan resides in northern Italy, where it is the regional capital and borders the Province of Monza and Brianza. A leading financial city, Milan enjoys much wealth and prosperity, with the majority of its most visited attractions being based within the area between the Castello Sforzesco and the cathedral. From the city's train stations, these attractions can be easily reached by using the underground train network, known locally as the Metropolitana Milanese (MM). Maps and Orientation of the City Lying on the northern side of the cathedral, the Brera district is rich in culture and home to more than its fair share of related attractions, such as art galleries. Brera is also known for its cluster of fashion boutiques and acclaimed shopping streets, while to the south is the Navigli area, where the nightlife is renowned.

Tourists may also like to head to the northern side of the city, where the trendy Corso Como clubs reside, within the Porta Garibaldi area. For tourist information and maps about Milan, consider the outlets located at the Linate and Malpensa airports, as well as at the Stazione Centrale (Central Train Station).

Alessandria - 90 km / 56 miles (one hour and 20 minutes, south-west) Bologna - 219 km / 136 miles (three hours, south-east) Busto Arsizio - 39 km / 24 miles (50 minutes, north-west) Casale Monferrato - 103 km / 64 miles (one hour and 25 minutes, south-west) Como - 53 km / 33 miles (one hour, north) Cremona - 101 km / 63 miles (one hour and 25 minutes, south-east) Genoa - 140 km / 87 miles (one hour and 45 minutes, south) Ivrea - 117 km / 73 miles (one hour and 30 minutes, west) La Spezia - 223 km / 139 miles (three hours, south-east) Massa - 240 km / 149 miles (three hours and 15 minutes, south-east) Parma - 125 km / 78 miles (one hour and 3

0 minutes, south-east) Pavia - 41 km / 25 miles (50 minutes, south) Turin - 142 km / 88 miles (one hour and 50 minutes, west) Verona - 161 km / 100 miles (two hours, east) Vigevano - 35 km / 22 miles (45 minutes, south-west) Map of Italy Lombardia - Lombardy | Italy Lombardia - Lombardy Submitted by admin on Wed, 10/05/2016 - 11:02 Lombardia Lombardia The Lombardy or Lombardia region of Italy occupies a major portion of the northern Po River valley between the Tincio and Mincio rivers.

It is bordered by the Alps and Switzerland to the north and Emilia-Romagna to the south. Lombardy is home to Italy's famous lakes Maggiore , Como and Garda that lie at the foot of the Alps. Piedmont and Valle D'Aosta border Lombardy to the west and the Veneto and Alto-Adige regions on the east. Not only is Lombardy an agricultural center, but an industrial and commercial one, as Milan is an international center of business and fashion. Lombardy History In its history Lombardy has seen various waves of inhabitants from the Gauls, Etruscans and eventually Romans. The city of Milan was briefly the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the 4th century but was overlooked by the conquering Lombards who, besides giving their name to the region, made Pavia the center of their kingdom. After Charlemagne the towns of Lombardy grew wealthy and independent, becoming city-states that eventually would have to band together to quell the ambitions of the Holy Roman Empire. The first of these Lombard Leagues successfully defended their autonomy against Frederick Barbarossa at the battle of Legnano in 1176.

During this time Milan regained its prominence and flourished under the feudal rule of several dynastic families including the Sforzas, patrons of Leonardo DaVinci. Several centuries of foreign rule ensued that included Napoleon and the Austrian Empire. By 1848 the Risorgimento was in full swing and Austrian rule was ousted in Lombardy. Today Lombardy straddles a life of business and modernity with a beautiful countryside, magnificent and tranquil lake towns are contrasted by the busy lifestyle of Milan. However all of it is complemented by the regions bountiful agricultural wealth that feed the entire nation. Closeup profile of side (ribs) of a beautiful 19th century violin (Pietro Floriani). Cremona produces the best string instruments in the world. Lombardy is well above the "oil line" in Italian cooking and so butter is the cooking fat of choice for the region's specialties. The capital Milan is known for several dishes that make use of this abundant rice-growing region. Minestrone alla Milanese, which is the mother of all Minestrone soups and contains vegetables, rice and bacon.

Risotto alla Milanese is a creamy dish of braised short-grain rice blended with meat stock, saffron and cheese. Osso bucco is a traditional main course of a knuckle of veal with the marrowbone intact and braised with rosemary and sage. The standout cheese of the region is Gorgonzola, a creamy and rich blue cheese that is ideal for sauces. The most famous dessert from Lombardy is the Italian fruitcake known as Panettone. Once only prepared for Christmas, this specialty is found boxed and sold year-round in Italy. Torrone, a popular nougat and almond confection is a native product of Cremona but is also sold nationwide. Lombardy wines are mainly grown on the steep slopes of the Valtellina area, known for its well-aged reds. The gem of the region is the Valtellina Superiore, a deep smooth red that is aged for five years before being served. Around Lake Iseo is an area known as Franciacorta and is the home to Lombardy's sparkling white wines. The locally grown Pinot Grigio and Pinot Bianco grapes to produce sparkling wines in the tradition of the Champagnes of France.

However these wines are truly Italian and have been protected by the covetous DOCG designation. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Lombardia Milan is the economic hub of all of Italy, a modern city that does not have the time to examine its past. The city is a Mecca for fashion and shopping but there are also historical highlights that include the city's Duomo at the heart of the city. It is a gothic masterpiece that has an unbelievable view of the city from its many-spired roof. Milan is the home of the world famous opera house La Scala and some great museums but shopping enthusiasts will want to visit the Galleria, where the Milanese come to be seen. Lake Como, Lombardia The Italian Lakes region is rightfully famous and is considered by many to be the loveliest lakes in the world. Everyone from Pliny the Younger to Ernest Hemmingway has written about Maggiore, Garda and everyone's favorite, Como. These large glacial lakes are backdropped by the Alps with the Italian peninsula stretching below. The mild climate lends itself to numerous species of plants that give the area a more southern feel with lemon, pomegranate and palm trees.

All of the lakes in the area are home to many quaint villages and resort towns that make a great escape from the heat of Rome in summer.

Question: Which Italian city is the regional capital of Lombardy?
Answer: MILAN